A 16th-century horror show built in a lovely Italian garden.

A large statue of Pope Gregory XIII in Bologna was disguised as Saint Petronius to avoid destruction.

Legend has it this fountain built to symbolize the Pope’s power hides a strange secret concerning Neptune's manliness.

Over 100 towers were built in Bologna during the Middle Ages, but only 22 survive.

This building features dozens of faces along its facade, although one is a bit chilling.

The mummified relic of St. Catherine sits forever on a golden throne.

Time has been frozen at this station since the bombing in 1980—or so it was believed.

A small window on Via Piella offers a lovely and rare peek at Bologna's lost canals.

The last moments of the ill-fated Pompeiians, frozen forever in plaster.

Before it was buried by volcanic ash, this fast-food restaurant fed the hungry hordes of ancient Rome.

The walls and streets of the ancient city are peppered with penises.

Pompeii's less famous neighbor is still revealing her secrets.

Every day is like Christmas on this street where the traditional Neapolitan nativity scene comes to life.

An underground paleo-Christian burial site composed of the remains of several cemeteries and Basilicas.

A massive marble foot is tucked away in a small alley near the Pantheon.

A detailed pachyderm supports Rome's smallest Egyptian obelisk.

The remains of this 2nd-century Roman temple are incorporated into a modern building.

Hundreds of lucky felines haunt the ruins where Caesar was murdered.

The only "Egyptian" pyramid in Europe and the legendary tomb of Remus.

The final resting place of the poets Shelley and Keats.

These hut foundations are believed to be the residence of Romulus, founder of Rome.

A mysterious chasm in the heart of the ancient Roman Forum, the Lacus Curtius was once believed to be a gateway to hell.

An ancient Roman temple first dedicated to an emperor's wife is now a church.

Historic fortifications form the boundary of Vatican City, but it’s not entirely surrounded by walls.